All aboard Havering’s mayor’s vintage steam train

Mayor of havering, Cllr Linda Trew comissioned Havering College of Further and Higher Education, students to create a float. for the New Years Day Parade, (Image: Archant)

Students of carpentry and joinery as well as those studying painting and decorating made the wooden train after being tasked with designing the mayor, Cllr Linda Trew, a parade-stopping float.

They unveiled the engine to Cllr Trew, on Wednesday.

She said: “Words fail me. The float is absolutely amazing. The work by the students and staff is so impressive.”

The mayors of London’s boroughs compete each year to see their float crowned best in show with cash for their chosen charities up for grabs.

“Nobody has put so much effort into it before and so hopefully we will win,” added Cllr Trew.

Carpentry and joinery lecturer, Colin Hughes, said: “The project has been inspirational for our Carpentry and joinery and painting and decorating students.

“They have seen techniques used that they would not ordinarily have seen.

“It has given them a different view of their crafts.”

The students have named the train, complete with engine whistle, Rainham Star.

The New Year’s parade, which has the theme London on the Move, will begin at Piccadilly and finish in Parliament Square on January 1.

Havering College construction students Ben Leask, 17, and Jake Steadman, 16, both of Harold Hill, have been selected to ride on board the float accompanied Mr Hughes and curriculum manager for painting & decorating, Duane Randall.

Jake said: “Working on the float has been a fantastic experience and I am really excited that I will be taking part in the parade on New Year’s Day.”

After the parade, the float will be returned to the Rainham Campus Construction Centre, in New Road, where further work will be undertaken to prepare the steam train and carriage for longer term use in the borough.